What Jesus Did! 'A New Kind of Fishing' — Mark 1:16-18

Saturday, January 13, 2024

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him.
— Mark 1:16-18 NLT

Key Thought

I don't know about you, but I love to fish. However, fishing is a hobby, not my livelihood. Jesus used a figure of speech to compare Simon and Andrew's livelihood as fishermen to what they would be doing with him. Jesus would transform them into fishermen "to fish for people" so that these people would live their lives for God. These fishermen completely left their fishing boats behind, at least for a while. Jesus doesn't ask most of us to change our vocations. Instead, Jesus wants us to let him show us how to bless others and bring God into their lives. If we fully follow Jesus, then we are going to see his transforming power show up in our workplace and in our influence among those around us. "Follow me!" Jesus is asking you and me. Will we follow him... especially at work and school?

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, give me the vision to see the opportunities you place before me to bless others and to share your grace with them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • 1 Peter 3:13-16
  • Acts 8:4-5

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:16-18 NLT — "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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